AP CM Naidu launches Rs 11,359 cr urban development works in AP
Kuppam, Sept 22 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday virtually launched urban development works worth Rs 11,359 crore in 123 municipalities and municipal corporations across the State, calling for cities to be developed as engines of economic growth.
Naidu directed officials and public representatives to focus on improving urban liveability, creating sustainable environments and expanding economic opportunities.
The works include Rs 4,656 crore for roads, Rs 88 crore for central medians, Rs 247 crore for street lighting and Rs 509 crore for parks.
The overall programme covers about 2,165 km of roads, 502 parks, 210 km of central medians, 391 km of street lighting and 300 km of sewerage works.
Of the total works launched, Rs 7,469 crore will be taken up in 123 municipalities and Rs 3,890 crore in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.
The Chief Minister said urban development projects worth around Rs 50,000 crore had been planned across the State. Works worth Rs 22,330 crore were already in progress, while projects worth another Rs 17,000 crore were proposed for launch over the next six months.
He said the works were being taken up under the Hybrid Annuity Model for the first time, allowing projects to be implemented without imposing a financial burden on Urban Local Bodies.
Naidu directed the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department to function as an “Urban Prosperity Department” and focus on improving the quality of life and economic opportunities in cities.
He said construction of TIDCO houses across the State would be completed by 2027 and directed officials to complete the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe drinking water to urban residents round the clock.
The Chief Minister also stressed scientific solid waste management and recycling.
He said 143 lakh tonnes of waste had been removed under the Swachh Andhra-Swarna Andhra programmes, with two Waste-to-Energy plants operational and four more under construction.
TNT LE
